22 of the Best Kids’ Halloween Movies

Less scary, more fun: Our round-up of the best kids’ Halloween movies guarantees a great night in when the trick-or-treating is done.

It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown

Tvguide.com

How can you let Halloween pass without watching one of the best kids’ Halloween movies where the Peanuts gang dresses up in Halloween costumes? Here are 10 great quotes from ‘Peanuts’ that are guaranteed to make your day.

Best for: Kids age 4 and up. Only the youngest viewers will be spooked by the tame Halloween imagery on display.

Monsters, Inc. (G)

A two-year-old girl named Boo stumbles into monster world and frightens the daylights out of two endearing ogres—Mike and Sulley. Soon Boo befriends the monsters, who try to save her and fight the evil corporation they work for.

Best for: Kids age 5 and up. This faux-frights are meant to be funny, but younger children might get spooked. Learn these scary good Halloween riddles to stump people instead of scare them.

Casper (PG)

Harvey, a paranormal expert, is hired to banish the ghosts from an abandoned mansion and comes across Casper, the friendly ghost, who forms a friendship with Harvey’s daughter, Kat. Speaking of ghosts, you should check out these chilling real-life ghost stories.

E.T. (PG)

Universal Pictures

After being stranded on Earth when a spaceship leaves without him, a friendly Extra-Terrestrial (affectionately known as E.T.) develops a close relationship with 10-year-old Elliot and his siblings. The kids protect their new friend, help him build a communications device to ‘phone home,’ and even dress him up for Halloween. This heartwarming story of friendship is a delight for the entire family.

Best for: Kids age 7 and up. There’s some naughty language and intense drama.

The Nightmare Before Christmas (PG)

Perhaps one of the greatest classic kids’ Halloween movies, a ghoulish tale gets transformed into a stunning animated film. You’ll watch with fascination as the Pumpkin King of Halloweentown falls in love with the idea of Christmas and tries to recreate it in his own town.

Best for: Kids age 7 and up. Some of the characters are creepy in both manner and appearance. Make sure you stand out this Halloween by wearing one of these 17 punny Halloween costumes.

The Witches (PG)

The Jim Henson Company

This adaptation of Roald Dahl’s novel is a gripping treat for both kids and adults. An orphaned boy moves with his grandmother to an English hotel, where a group of witches plots to transform all children into mice.

The Neverending Story (PG)

Warner Bros.

Who said all kids’ Halloween movies have to have ghosts and witches? Kids who could do without vampires and other played out Halloween monsters will find a lot to like in this mystical adventure film based on the popular novel.

Best for: Kids age 8 and up. Some of the fantastical creatures might creep out the little ones, and there are some intense sequences.

Batman: Mask of the Phantasm (PG)

Warner Bros.

The caped crusader grapples with what appears to be a murderous apparition in this critically acclaimed (and moody) animated feature.

Best for: Kids age 9 and up. Some violence and dark subject matter make this a spooky superhero flick for older kids. Try these 17 easy Halloween makeup ideas to look like Batman, Harley Quinn, and more of your favorite fictional characters!

MirrorMask (PG)

Coraline (PG)

Focus Features

A young girl discovers another world where the grass seems greener—but is soon tormented by the twisted beings within.

Best for: Kids age 9 and up. This fairytale presents some mature themes, and the villains are menacing. You can lighten up any mood with one of these 15 easy Halloween crafts that are fun for all ages!

Beetlejuice (PG)

Warner Bros.

For an entertaining evening with the family, rent Beetlejuice. A ghost couple tries desperately to chase away a new family that has moved into the home they inhabit. When all else fails, they hire Beetlejuice to get rid of the new owners of the home. But things don’t go as planned…

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (PG)

Warner Bros.

What better time than Halloween to revisit the students of Hogwarts, the enchanting school of witchcraft and wizardry? Show other films in the series to make it a complete marathon of these great kids’ Halloween movies.

Best for: Kids age 10 and up. There’s serious peril, and even some of the good guys look frightening.

Hocus Pocus (PG)

Our kids’ Halloween movies list wouldn’t be complete without these three scheming witch sisters who are back to achieve immortality after their hanging 300 years ago—and they’re casting spells through song and dance along the way. Hocus Pocus is the right potion for Halloween fun.

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